The BBC dancing show’s head judge appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss her Strictly experience as well as discussing her new panto role.

However, things soon turned awkward when hosts Ben Shepherd and Susanna Reid brought up Shirley’s criticism of their friend and co-star Charlotte Hawkins.

After watching a clip of Shirley judging Charlotte, Susanna said: “I’m not sure you and she were best friends as a result… Unfortunately, you called her Mollie, criticised her technique, rise and fall you remember that you criticised?”

Following Susanna’s comment, Shirley was quick to defend herself, and in the same breath appeared to make a dig at professional dancer Brendan.

She said: “Actually it was constructive criticism in order for her to get better the following week. Unfortunately a certain member took it the wrong way.”

Ben then replied: “She’s a very good friend of ours and we’re very proud of her. The relationship that you had with Brendan and the friction that was there caused a problem because Brendan took offence to what you were saying.”

However, not one to be blamed, Shirley once again spoke up for herself and says the way Brendan behaves is “his business.”

Shirley was called out for her criticism of Charlotte Hawkins and explained that Brendan took her comments in the wrong way [BBC]

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas opened up on her experience on the show [BBC]

Shirley explained to the presenters: “First of all, there was no friction between Brendan and I, I’ve known Brendan for a very very long time and how Brendan likes to conduct himself is his business.

“But for me, there was no friction. I was there to do a job, I did it.

Brendan's rumoured off screen feud with Shirley Ballas spilled onto the screen in series 15 with the pair arguing on more than one occasion
[Wenn]

Brendan Cole's Strictly journey came to an end in 2018 when the New Zealand born dancer revealed he was leaving the BBC show after 15 years – click here to see his most controversial and memorable moments

“I thought she was extremely talented. I tried to express that perhaps the choreography was a little difficult at the beginning because she had talent. But unfortunately he took it the wrong way.”

Shirley’s comments come jut months after Brendan was sensationally dropped from the show, with reports later emerging that it was Brendan’s clashes with Shirley that led to his downfall.